Orlando Hotels & Accommodation

For most kids - and many adults - Orlando means one thing and one thing only: Walt Disney World. This is the city that Mickey built, and signs of the world's most famous mouse are nearly everywhere. Just 24 miles away, Orlando is the nearest large city to Disney World and has its own share of themed amusements, like Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Gatorland, and even Holy Land, a religious theme park.

Located in the northern half of Florida, Orlando can be cooler than some people expect. While summers are hot, humid, and often stormy, winter temperatures can drop to 12°C or less. Spring and fall are generally mild, with less rain and temperatures around 27°C. The added benefit of visiting when most kids are in school is that there are fewer tourists crowding the family of Disney parks, which includes the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

While a dream trip to Orlando usually involves a stay at one of Disney's 24 on-site resorts, the more budget-friendly hostels in Orlando are located near the downtown area. A car is a necessity to get around, particularly if you want to visit the theme parks. There is also a limited trolley service, used mainly by tourists, that runs along International Drive and Universal Blvd.

Outside of the theme parks, there's plenty to do in Orlando for those who prefer a more adult vacation. There are several great museums downtown, including the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Science Center, as well as a range of international dining options and dozens of bars and clubs to choose from. The city also hosts soccer, basketball and football teams, and is surrounded by some of the best golf courses in the world.